FG approves ₦46bn Kano airport runway work: Closure dates, affected flights and what passengers should know

• The Federal Government has approved over ₦46 billion to reconstruct the runway, taxiways and other critical airside infrastructure at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, with work already underway.

• No airport closure or flight suspension has been announced yet, but passengers should monitor updates from airlines, FAAN and the NCAA as construction progresses.

• Here's what travellers need to know about possible flight disruptions, alternative airports, rebooking and refund rights, and what the airport upgrade means for future travel.

If you're planning to fly through Kano in the coming months, now is the time to pay close attention.

The Federal Government has approved more than ₦46 billion for the reconstruction of critical airside infrastructure at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), one of Nigeria's busiest airports and the main aviation gateway to the North-West.

While the announcement is good news for aviation safety and long-term passenger experience, it also raises immediate questions for travellers: Will the airport close? Will flights be cancelled? Are there alternative airports nearby?

Here's everything passengers need to know.

The project is aimed at modernising one of Nigeria's oldest airports.

Speaking during the commissioning of the remodelled domestic terminal in Kano, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the Federal Government has earmarked over ₦46 billion to reconstruct critical aviation infrastructure, with about 60% of the funds already released to contractors. 

The rehabilitation covers:

• Complete resurfacing of the runway

• Reconstruction of taxiways

• Major runway improvements

• Additional airside infrastructure upgrades

According to Keyamo, work has already commenced, with contractors mobilised to the airport. 

The project forms part of President Bola Tinubu's aviation infrastructure upgrade programme and is intended to ensure the airport can safely accommodate aircraft operating both domestic and international routes. 

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Not for now.

Despite widespread discussion following the ₦46 billion approval, the Federal Government has not announced any full closure of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

Likewise, FAAN and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have not released any Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing a runway shutdown or suspension of passenger operations as of publication. 

That means:

• Domestic flights are expected to continue.

• International services remain scheduled.

• The newly remodelled domestic terminal is open for passengers.

However, because the work involves the runway and taxiways, passengers should expect operational adjustments once major construction enters more intensive phases.

No.

At the time of writing, neither the Ministry of Aviation, FAAN nor NCAA has announced runway closure dates, overnight closures, partial closures, or the expected completion timeline.

Authorities are expected to issue advance notices before any disruption to scheduled commercial flights. 

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Since no closure has been announced, no airline has officially suspended Kano operations because of the rehabilitation project.

If temporary runway closures become necessary later, the flights most likely to be affected would include busy domestic services linking Kano with Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Yola and other northern cities.

International flights using Kano could also experience schedule adjustments depending on the construction programme.

Passengers are advised to monitor updates from their airlines rather than rely on social media rumours.

Several carriers currently serve Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, including:

• Air Peace

• United Nigeria Airlines

• Max Air

• ValueJet (selected services)

• Overland Airways (where scheduled)

International operators also use Kano for regional and Middle Eastern connections, particularly during Hajj and Umrah seasons.

Any future operational changes would likely be announced directly by the affected airlines.

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Yes—if flights are cancelled or significantly changed by the airline.

Under the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, passengers whose flights are cancelled because of operational issues are generally entitled to options such as:

• free rebooking on the next available flight,

• rerouting where possible,

• or a refund, depending on the circumstances and fare conditions.

If any disruption occurs because of runway works, airlines will usually communicate available options through SMS, email or their customer service channels.

Travellers should avoid cancelling tickets themselves before receiving official guidance, as voluntary cancellations may attract different fare rules.

If temporary closures eventually become necessary, passengers may consider nearby airports depending on their destination.

Possible alternatives include:

The best option will depend on airline schedules and road travel time.

The runway reconstruction is only one part of a wider airport upgrade.

During the event, FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku announced that work will also begin on expanding and rehabilitating the airport's Hajj terminal to improve services for pilgrims. 

Passengers using the airport will also benefit from the newly remodelled domestic terminal, which now includes:

• upgraded baggage handling systems,

• improved conveyor systems,

• new air-conditioning,

• mechanical rehabilitation,

• enhanced passenger facilities.

According to FAAN, the upgrades are designed to improve passenger comfort and restore the airport's status as one of northern Nigeria's key aviation hubs.